Experimental Aviation Film SOLO Shoots in Northeast Florida

Online, January 2, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Los Angeles-based production company Lexcuts, Inc. completed principle photography today for the short film SOLO. Shot entirely on location in northeast Florida, SOLO is the heartfelt story of a close-knit aviation community morning the loss of an experimental aircraft pilot.

The majority of filming took place at Haller Air Park, a privately-owned air community located between Green Cove Springs and Palatka, Florida. Haller is comprised of private residences and hangars situated directly on a grass runway, offering pilots and their families unending access to pursue their passion for flying. Residents include an array of aviation icons, decorated veterans of the Air Force and Navy, and leaders in the experimental/home-built aviation movement.

Filmmakers Lex Sadasivan and Lisa Weseman both have deep roots in the flying community. "Our grandparents, fathers, and brothers are all general aviation and experimental pilots who've instilled an enormous respect for flying," said Lisa Weseman, the film's writer. "After years of watching these pilots in awe, we began crafting the script for SOLO in August 2011."

Understanding the importance of accurately representing the mechanics of flying and authentically portraying the life of pilots and their families, the filmmakers enlisted the services of Haller resident Daniel Weseman, a respected pilot and experimental aircraft builder to serve as the aviation consultant on SOLO. Air scenes were flown by Dan, along with other pilots of Haller Air Park, including Dave Dollarhide, Chris Smith, Bob Weseman, and Bob Wooley.

The Van RV-4, a light homebuilt aircraft, is prominently featured in the film. Built from a kit by the pilot himself, the RV-4 is both an aerobatic sport aircraft and an excellent cross-country machine, known for flying to out-of-the-way backcountry strips.

Another important piece for keeping SOLO authentic: casting local talent. The filmmakers held multiple rounds of auditions via Skype and cast actors from Naples, St. Augustine, and Lakeland, Florida, as well as Atlanta, Georgia. Once assembled, the cast met and conducted a virtual table read via group video conference call.

Breakout talent James Jourdan makes his film debut as BJ, a teenager struggling to connect with his mother after a series of tragedies. Karen Overstreet embodies the intersection of strength and vulnerability as Sarah, a grieving widow determined not to lose her son. Jeff Crisp brings a natural swagger to the role of Randy, a loose canon torn between allegiances. Jimmy Brunelle imbues a quiet strength to Ben, a father desperately trying to bring his family back together.

"As an ultra-low budget production, assembling the right team was crucial to SOLO's success," said the film's director, Lex Sadasivan. Director of Photography/Producer Bruce Dickson's passion for aviation propelled an unrelenting drive to capture on film the unique beauty of the aviation world. Production Designer Mark Ilvedsen brought to life the homes and hangars of SOLO's characters and Audio Recordist Brian Young took on the unique challenge of recording amid the constant sound of airplane engines.

The casual but classic wardrobe was designed by Lauren Sadasivan-McCoy and assistant Kathryn Sadasivan, with many pieces provided by Hemline Kansas City. Best Boy Peter Victor, Make-Up Artist Rachel Weseman, and Caterers Jim and Rhonda Weseman rounded out the collaborative team behind SOLO.

After filming hours of in-air flying and green screen footage, Director Lex Sadasivan will partner with Special Effects Designers John Lopez and John Mitchell to create the CGI effects that take SOLO to the next level.

Editing of the film will happen over the next few months, with a final cut expected at the end of March. The filmmakers will host a Cast & Crew viewing at Haller Air Park before screening at film festivals and air shows.

SOLO Production Stills available for download in the online Press Room at www.flysolofilm.com.

About Lexcuts
Lexcuts, Inc., a Los Angeles-based film and television production company, is a partnership of Director/Producer Lex Sadasivan and Writer/Producer Lisa Weseman. They currently produce two television shows, "Revision3 Remix" and "Diggnation" for YouToo TV, a national cable network available in 15 million homes. Lexcuts also has a pilot in development for an hour-long sci-fi drama called "Underground." SOLO, the debut film produced by Lexcuts, will premiere in spring 2012.

About Lex Sadasivan
SOLO Director and Executive Producer Lex Sadasivan has won awards for his work in commercials, movie trailers, and television. Lex was Executive Producer of "In The Qube," a show based on a pilot he created, produced, and directed, which featured a unique 360-degree filming concept. Lex has a B.A. in film studies and psychology from Wesleyan University and has directed several short films. He resides in Los Angeles, where her produces television shows for YouToo TV.

About Lisa Weseman
SOLO Writer and Executive Producer Lisa Weseman hails from Northeast Florida. She graduated from Middleburg High School in 1996 and received a degree in Television & Film Production from the University of Florida in 2000. She resides in Los Angeles, where she writes and produces two televisions shows for YouToo TV and manages websites for The Walt Disney Company.

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Media Contact
Lisa Weseman
323-252-7762
[email protected]
www.flysolofilm.com